It’s time for one of my favorite blog posts of the year–the Mid-Year Book Freak-Out tag, created by Earl Grey Books and Chami! I love this way of looking back on my reading over the first half of the year, because it helps me better analyze where I’m at and where I want to go with my reading over the coming months.
Oh, and I always give multiple answers for each question, because I like to be able to feature as many of the books I’ve loved as possible; I try not to repeat books for multiple prompts for the same reason. Let’s get started!
1. Best book(s) you’ve read so far in 2026
My favorite books of the year so far include:
Is This a Cry for Help? by Emily Austin (contemporary fiction); River of Bones & Other Stories by Rebecca Roanhorse (short story collection); The Butcher’s Masquerade by Matt Dinniman (science fiction); The Library at Hellebore by Cassandra Khaw (dark academia horror); and Superfan by Jenny Tinghui Zhang (contemporary fiction).
And some runner-up faves:
Why Don’t We Just Kill the Kid in the Omelas Hole by Isabel J. Kim (science fiction short story); An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister (contemporary romance); Deep End by Ali Hazelwood (contemporary romance); Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman (science fiction); Seasons of Glass and Iron by Amal El-Mohtar (short story collection; Dinner on Monster Island by Tania de Rozario (memoir/essay collection); and Playing for Keeps by Alexandria Bellefleur (contemporary romance).
2. Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2026. This is the year that I, and many other readers, became completely obsessed with the Dungeon Crawler Carl series. Although I’ve enjoyed every installment, this one was my favorite.
3. New release you haven’t read yet, but want to
This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews (fantasy); Freedom by Zinzi Clemmons (nonfiction); Chain of Ideas by Ibram X. Kendi (nonfiction); and Sublimation by Isabel J. Kim (science fiction).
4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year
As You Wake, Break the Shell by Becky Chambers (science fiction); Taipei Story by R. F. Kuang (contemporary fiction); Call Me Traitor by Everina Maxwell (science fiction); and Kiss Slay Replay by Rachel Harrison (horror).
5. Biggest disappointment
Yeah, this one was really not an interesting read for me. I really enjoyed the quirky humor and fresh take on fantasy tropes in the author’s previous novel, Dreadful, but this one was a bit of a letdown and it’s also postponed me purchasing and/or reading her 2026 release.
6. Biggest surprise
This was sort of a random new release that I picked up because my library had the audiobook available, and not only was it fresh and funny with “unlikable” main characters, but it also had an extremely unexpected plot twist towards the end that I didn’t at all see coming.
7. Favorite new author (Debut or new to you)
I mean, I’ve been completely taken in by Matt Dinniman, and I plan to pick up his non-Carl books as well. I’m also really interested to read more unique horror from Cassandra Khaw.
8. Favorite fictional couples (technically, this prompt was favorite fictional crush, but I can’t think of any, so I figured I’d instead highlight some of my favorite contemporary romance reads that didn’t appear on my favorites list)
9. Newest favorite character(s)
I love Carl, Princess Donut, and so many others from this cast of characters so beautifully brought to life by Jeff Hayes in the audio narration.
10. Book that made you cry
Yep, this is the one that got me. No spoilers! Read this series if you haven’t yet.
11. Book that made you happy
I mean, this is a Sapphic romance set alongside a Taylor/Travis relationship. It’s really the ideal book for a bi Swiftie.
12. Most beautiful book you’ve bought so far this year (or received)
13. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?
I’m still in the middle of my top 10 TBR for the year, and I should really try to focus on those.
Bonus question!
Most-read authors of 2025 (so far):
Matt Dinniman – 6 books
Ali Hazelwood – 2 books
Alexandria Bellefleur – 2 books
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